MarTa Gold on Display - Canosa di Puglia, Italia - Ubtil 18-5-2025

[dognose]

National Archaeological Museum of Canosa di Puglia
Mazzini School Building
Via Piave 86
76012 Canosa di Puglia (BT)
Italia


MarTa Gold on Display in Canosa di Puglia: the Treasure of Opaka Sabaleida

Until 18th May 2025

CANOSA DI PUGLIA – An archaeological treasure of inestimable value shines again in Puglia. The gold of the MarTa , the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto, will be exhibited in Canosa di Puglia as part of the international exhibition “Forme e colori dell'Italia preromana”, which arrives in Italy after a tour of the most prestigious museums and cultural institutes in the world. The exhibition, which has already stopped in Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, San Paolo, Mexico City and Rome, will open in the rooms of the nascent National Archaeological Museum of Canosa di Puglia, located inside the Mazzini school building, destined to become a new museum for the city.

The return of the treasure of Opaka Sabaleida
Among the most precious finds on display, two extraordinary testimonies of the goldsmith art of Taranto stand out, known precisely as the gold of the MarTa :

The diadem of Princess Opaka Sabaleida;
The royal sceptre, symbol of Daunia's power and nobility.

The jewels of the Opaka Sabaleida treasure date back to the 3rd century BC and were discovered in 1928, during excavations directed by Quintino Quagliati along the road that connects Canosa to Cerignola, in a stretch parallel to the historic Via Appia Traiana. The discovery occurred inside a hypogeum tomb, once belonging to one of the most influential female figures of Daunia society.

“This exhibition – explains Stella Falzone, director of MarTa – represents an extraordinary opportunity to give back to the community a fundamental piece of its history, enhancing the cultural heritage that has made our region a crossroads of civilizations in the Mediterranean”.

A journey through the ancient Dauni
In addition to the gold of Princess Opaka Sabaleida, the exhibition will also present artisanal finds typical of the Daunian culture, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditions and symbols of pre-Roman society.

An unmissable opportunity to discover up close the splendor and refinement of Taranto's goldsmith art, which has left an indelible mark on the history of the Mediterranean.

Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 9.00 - 15.30, Saturday 1.00pm - 7.30pm

Admission: €5

https://www.puglia.com/gli-ori-del-mart ... sabaleida/